KICKING THE CAN?

Sanders: Trump Will Not Pardon Joe Arpaio at Rally

The controversial former Arizona sheriff was convicted for criminal contempt.

President Trump will not pardon former Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio at a Phoenix rally on Tuesday night, White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders told reporters Tuesday. “There will be no discussion of that today at any point, and no action will be taken on that front at any point today,” she said. Trump previously told Fox News that he was “seriously considering a pardon” for the controversial former sheriff of Maricopa County. Arpaio was convicted for criminal contempt for allegedly disobeying a court order to end patrols that often target immigrants. “He has done a lot in the fight against illegal immigration,” Trump said. “He's a great American patriot, and I hate to see what has happened to him.” Arpaio told Vice News on Tuesday that even if Trump does not pardon him, the president will still have his support. “He didn't say he's not going to do it. He said tonight,” Arpaio said.